Freda Dismukes, 46, had more than 15 years experience working in upper retail management when she decided to make a career change.
“Once I had my first child, I realized that my career was not allowing me the opportunity to be involved in my child”s school,” she recalled.
At the time, Dismukes and her husband, Leonardo, had one son, David. The couple later had another son, Leonardo Jr.
Now, Dismukes is serving the children at Lee Middle School, as assistant principal for the seventh grade, and the community, especially the youth.
What is the most rewarding part of your job as assistant principal?
The most rewarding part of my job is being able to see when that ”light” goes off when a child is so proud that he understands what his teacher is trying to teach him.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
The most challenging part of my job is I never have time to see all the students or teachers who need that one-on-one time.
You were a teacher before becoming assistant principal. What, if anything, do you miss about teaching?
I miss so many things about teaching, but I think the main thing I miss is the ability to actually have a part in the ”seeing the light” experience when a child is so excited that he has learned a new strategy.
What are an assistant principal”s greatest resources?
An assistant principal”s greatest resources are those teachers who come to school every day with the idea in mind that their students are his or her pride and joy and that their day will not be complete until they have directly affected every child.
What advice do you have for those considering careers as teachers or school administrators?
The advice that I have is you must have a desire to give 100 percent each day to the students and the teachers.
Tell me about the United Way of Columbus and Lowndes County campaign you support and why it is important to give back to your community.
I was raised directly in this community. I went to Hughes, Hunt, Joe Cook and Lee High. I personally know the people in the community and feel that it is important that I give to the community the same support that I received as a youth growing up in the community. As a team leader for United Way, I have supported the schools I”ve worked at to raise over $60,000 for United Way.
Tell me about your efforts to support local youth.
My husband often tells everyone that when you see my wife, you will see some children. I committed my life to be there for the youth on every level. They need so much and I want to work hard to support them any way I can. I”m a part of the youth ministry at church; I am co-chair of my sorority group”s Delta Academy, as well as many other workshops that I speak at in reference to our youth and the challenges they face such as self-esteem.
What do you think are the greatest strengths of today”s youth?
The greatest strength of today”s youth is they have the ability to make their minds up to be some of the greatest leaders in the world.
What do you see today”s youth as most lacking?
Today”s youth are most lacking self-motivation or a sense of self worth.
What are your biggest concerns about the students of Lee Middle School and the Columbus Municipal School District, and how can members of the community and parents help?
My biggest concern is our students need to have more of a sense of responsibility. Our community and parents can help by being more visible at school activities as well as encouraging and praising our students often, (encouraging) our students to the extra push when they are doing positive things as well as the negative things.
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You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 34 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
